How to make tomato mozzarella salad - a classic fresh Italian layered tomato and mozzarella salad with basil and a simple olive oil and (optional) balsamic dressing. This Caprese salad is perfect for serving as an appetizer or side!
Gather your tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. Slice the tomatoes into even slices with a sharp knife or mandoline and then chop (or tear) the mozzarella and gather basil leaves and arrange them in your dish. You can do this as little stacks, layer around a dish (as I have), or even stack on their side in a small dish - it's up to you.You could even keep the mozzarella whole in the center of the plate, surrounded by tomato slices.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Drizzle the salad with olive oil and salt and pepper (to taste) and then, optionally, add a drizzle of balsamic, too.
Then allow it to sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the tomato juice and oil to combine and 'marinate' at the bottom of the salad – for even better flavor!
Notes
Make this during tomato season: Okay, I know tomatoes are mostly available year-round, but there is a WORLD of difference when using fresh, ripe, in-season tomatoes and the often mealy and somewhat tasteless tomatoes that can appear at other times of the year. Even better, buy your tomatoes at a farmers' market – you won't regret it!
Use high-quality ingredients: as a follow-on to the above note. This recipe is best when enjoyed during summer for the best tomatoes – but they're not the only ingredient that counts. Make sure to use high-quality mozzarella, fresh basil, and delicious extra virgin olive oil, too!
Allow the salad time to "marinate": I love to allow the salad at least 10 minutes for the juices from the tomato and the olive oil to meld and the flavors to marinate into a delicious dressing perfect for mopping up with crusty bread.
To tear or slice the mozzarella? There's a bit of a debate about which is best. While sliced mozzarella may look best as part of a neatly layered Caprese salad, torn mozzarella is meant to be superior in texture. Try both and you decide!
Can you make Caprese salad in advance? This tomato mozzarella salad tastes best within a few hours (especially since it's best not to chill it!).
Add-in Ingredients and Recipe Variations:
Avocado Caprese salad: Add some thin slices of ripe avocado to the ingredient layers.
Peach Caprese salad: This version asks you to substitute some tomatoes for fresh peach slices instead. You can do it as a 50:50 blend, though I prefer to still use around 70% tomato and 30% peach for just a few pops of sweetness.
Chopped Caprese Salad: This is precisely what it sounds like and is great when served as a side salad with lettuce or other leafy greens. Chop all the ingredients up into small pieces (or even use the mini mozzarella balls!).
Vegan Caprese salad: You can swap out the mozzarella for vegan mozzarella, instead.
Garlic: Add a little fresh minced garlic for a pop of additional flavor.
Onion: Thin slices (I use a mandoline) of a sweet onion like Vidalia onion can add a burst of tangy, sweet flavor.
Dried oregano: Use in place of or alongside the basil.
Pine nuts: Garnish the mozzarella salad with some lightly toasted pine nuts for extra flavor.
Check the blog post for more tips and fun serving suggestions!